ROBBIE ELLIOTT believes Kevin Keegan’s cavalier approach to football could give Newcastle United the edge in Sunday’s derby encounter at St James’s Park.

The Geordie – who has pulled on both the black and white and red and white stripes during his career – knows exactly what KK is all about, having been one of the Entertainers the first time around under Special K.

The popular defender has also played for Sunderland boss Roy Keane and Keegan but feels the crisp attacking style of play under KK could just give United the upper hand, with Oba Martins, Michael Owen and Mark Viduka in fine form.

The Hartlepool United player said today: “Fair play to KK, he is playing a good attacking formation and it is one which makes the opposition think a bit more about how they are going to deal with it.

“They are probably going to have to defend more and think more.

“It’s a big risk really to play the 4-3-3 formation, but it has paid off.

“Newcastle have the three big-hitters up front and they are looking very strong.”

Elliott played his part in Sunderland’s Championship campaign last term and feels the threat of a return to the second tier of English football for both sides has lifted the pressure surrounding the game.

He says: “Things have brightened up in both camps because of results and that has lifted the pressure on both teams going into the game.

“Newcastle are probably in their best form of the season and that will give them a lot of confidence going into what is probably the biggest fixture of the season.”

With Newcastle fans left disappointed this year by an inevitable lower-half finish, Elliott feels Sunderland supporters will be thinking differently come the end of the season.

He said: “It will be a massive achievement if Sunderland stay up.

“Any team which comes up and stays up can be pleased with their season these days.

“Sunderland had won three games before the Manchester City match.

“In a way it is a good thing Sunderland gained their away win over Fulham recently, because it might have been set up for them to claim it at St James’s Park.

“Had they not got it, maybe it would have been more of an open game with Sunderland going for it.

“There will, though, still be a lot of interesting battles going in different positions.”

Elliott loved every minute of his involvement in derby games, and he feels victory for United will put them in great stead for next season.

He added: “These are exceptional games to be involved in.

“You always look forward to them and they are the first fixtures you look for as a player.

“The build-up is exciting and that started on Saturday as soon as the final whistles went in the respective games.

“You have to be geared up to be involved in these games.

“I think expectations are high in both camps.

“Newcastle want to finish the season on a high, though.

“This game is all about making a statement for next season, and United need to finish on a high to attract players for next season.”